Today In History

Knicks Win NBA Championship in 1970 - With Bill Russell retiring after the 1969 season, the NBA Eastern Division was finally open to all contenders, and the New York Knickerbockers took full advantage and finished in first place with 60 wins. They were led by MVP Willis Reed, First team All-Star Guard Walt Frazier, Forwards Dave DeBusschere and Bill Bradley, and guard Dick Barnett. Coach Red Holzman emphasized team defense, a cohesive team offense and a deep bench led by Mike Riordan, Dave Stallworth, and Cazzie Russell. In a devastating moment to the team, Willis Reed was injured in the finals, and almost everyone thought the Knicks championship run was over. In one of the most inspirational and memorable sports moments of all time, just before Game 7 of the NBA Finals an injured Willis Reed emerged onto the Madison Square Garden floor shortly before tip-off. He dragged his injured leg on to the floor playing just a few minutes before retiring to the bench for the rest of the game. The emotionally rejuvenated Knicks beat the Lakers that night 113–99 to win the championship.

WOODSTOCK ROCKS Bethel, New York August 15 – 17, 1969 The largest rock concert ever, arrived and left, and we will never be the same again. The police estimated that there were a million people on the road trying to get to the festival. Controlling the overwhelming crowd was next to impossible. The festival actually took place on Max Yasgur's farm about fifty miles away. Woodstock was the original location since that was where Bob Dylan was currently residing. There were no clear headliners; the lineup included: Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Band, Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Santana, The Who, Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Richie Havens, Sly and the Family Stone, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Sha-Na-Na, Joe Cocker, Jimi Hendrix, and many more. Jimi Hendrix’s guitar solo of the "Star Spangled Banner" might be the most memorable musical event of the festival. Woodstock was a peaceful gathering for one million young citizens who were virtually left on their own and discovered the words Sharing, Helping, Consideration, and Respect. Thousands left the Woodstock event with a totally different outlook on life, and rock music moved to the forefront of American pop culture.